Wildlife
Goats
Cheddar's goats
© Jim Elliott
We use an unpaid workforce to keep the scrub at bay, a herd of free-roaming feral goats.
Soay sheep
Along with the goats, look out for Soay sheep roaming the hills.
They're a hardy, ancient rare breed that's native to Britain.
And they're really nimble and cling to the cliff edges. See if you can spot them.
The Whitebeams of Cheddar Gorge
Find out more about the newest species in Cheddar with Mark Courtiour, countryside manager, and Brian Muelaner, ancient tree expert.
We've recently discovered a new Whitebeam tree species growing on the cliffs in Cheddar. Watch the video to discover more about this wonderful find.
Horseshoe bats
Both Greater and Lesser horseshoe bats nest in Cheddar Gorge.
Both species are considered to be endangered, with their numbers still declining.
Look out for them at dusk and watch as they shoot in and out of the caves.
Cheddar pink
Cheddar pink
© Paul Robertson
The famous Cheddar pink and other rare plants, like rock stonecrop, grow on the cliff edges. Look out for the rock rose and herbs such as thyme, wild basil and marjoram on the lower slopes. In hot weather you're likely to smell them before you spot them.
Birdlife
Peregrine in flight
© northeastwildlife.co.uk
Many species of bird can be found at Cheddar Gorge, including the Peregrine falcon, buzzard, kestrel, raven and the small Grasshopper warbler.
Peregrine falcons - the world's fastest bird in flight - and other birds of prey nest on the steep cliffs of the valley.
The dormouse
A thick cover of hazel and oak coppice takes over from the grassland as you descend the gorge from its upper slopes.
It's in here that one of our most endearing British mammals has made its home.